What happens if your coil moves

They provide a nonsurgical option for pregnancy prevention that is almost as effective as surgical sterilization. Today's IUDs are highly efficient, safe, easy to use and cost-effective. It is uncommon for an IUD to move. If an IUD moves, it could result in some increased menstrual cramping or change in menstrual bleeding.

There also is a small possibility that it could result in some discomfort during intercourse. If these symptoms occur, you should be evaluated by your health care provider. If your IUD comes out, you should see your health care provider to discuss replacement versus changing to another form of contraception.

Approximately half of women with a hormonal IUD will stop having their menstrual cycles. It is common for some women to have irregular, light menstruation with a hormonal IUD.

One of the concerns with an IUD is that they occasionally can move out of place. If you can't find your IUD strings, or if the strings seem to be in a different place than the last time you checked, contact your healthcare provider to have it checked out. Never try to remove or re-insert your IUD yourself. And until you can get in to see your healthcare provider, be sure to use a backup method of birth control.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Prabhakaran S, Chuang A. In-office retrieval of intrauterine contraceptive devices with missing strings.

Nelson AL, Massoudi N. New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US. Open Access J Contracept. Kailasam C, Cahill D. Review of the safety, efficacy and patient acceptability of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. Patient Prefer Adherence. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Long-acting reversible contraception: intrauterine device and implant. Published July Outcome of intrauterine pregnancies with intrauterine device in place and effects of device location on prognosis.

The sexual acceptability of intrauterine contraception: A qualitative study of young adult women. Perspect Sex Reprod Health. Accuracy of information about the intrauterine device on the Internet. Healthcare providers use a special brush called a cytobrush that looks like a long mascara brush to try to maneuver out the IUD strings. This usually works. If attempts with the cytobrush are unsuccessful, your healthcare provider may use various tools to dilate open the cervix, measure your uterus, and obtain a precise view of the endocervical canal.

Your healthcare provider can then determine if the IUD may be in the process of expulsion. If this is the case, the IUD strings tend to become more visible.

But, to complicate matters, the strings can also become twisted and out of view. If all of these attempts fail to locate the IUD, from untwisting the IUD strings to ultrasound , a healthcare provider may conduct X-rays of your abdomen and pelvis. If your IUD does not show up on the X-ray film, expulsion can be confirmed.

At this time, you can also get a new IUD inserted if you wish. If your X-ray reveals that the IUD is located outside the uterus, perforation has happened. This would need to be corrected as soon as possible before possible damage occurs to adjoining areas.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Kaneshiro B, Aeby T. Long-term safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of the intrauterine Copper TA contraceptive device. Int J Womens Health. Performance of copper intrauterine devices when inserted after an expulsion. Hum Reprod. Women's willingness and ability to feel the strings of their intrauterine device.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. The safety of intrauterine devices among young women: a systematic review. In rare cases, an IUD can make a hole in the womb when it's put in. This may be painful, although sometimes there may be no symptoms. But see a GP straight away if you're feeling pain or cannot feel the threads of your IUD, as you may need surgery to remove it. If the IUD fails and you become pregnant, there's also an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Find a sexual health clinic.

If you need contraception, call your GP surgery or a sexual health clinic as soon as possible. Only go in person if asked to. If your IUD is due to be replaced and you do not want to get pregnant, use condoms or the progestogen-only pill for now. Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of If you're under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist will not tell your parents or carer as long as they believe you fully understand the information you're given and the decisions you're making.

Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under They'll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they will not make you.

The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you're at risk of harm, such as abuse. In these circumstances, the risk would need to be serious, and they'd usually discuss it with you first. Page last reviewed: 30 March Next review due: 30 March Where to get contraception. What is emergency contraception? Where can I get emergency contraception? Emergency contraception. Things to consider Age, health, lifestyle, side effects How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy?

Combined pill Progestogen-only pill Natural family planning fertility awareness. Condoms Female condoms Diaphragm or cap. Condoms Female condoms.

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